How can I reduce my risk of HIV when I work in healthcare?

Most cases of occupational exposure to HIV are because of needle-stick injuries, where a mistake has been made when handling a needle, or it has not been disposed of properly.4

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of HIV at work. They are known as ‘universal precautions’ and you should follow them when working with every patient. For example:5

• wear protection such as a mask, gown, goggles and gloves
• cover up any cuts or abrasions with plasters/bandages
• handle sharp equipment carefully
• dispose of sharp equipment in a solid container
• clean up blood spills immediately